[sauropod]

I think the big problem is that it’s publically funded and that is what people have a problem with. They might make wrongful assumptions and accusations, but that is b/c they are frustrated. Teachers are complaining about pay as if it’s their right, but yet we are the ones funding them. As previously mentioned, our taxes for school are insane, and apparently not working b/c the school system is failing (low test scores, etc).

I understand the frustration. I share it.

I also understand the other side, because I was married to it.

[Tublecane]

“I also understand the other side, because I was married to it.”

Well, I come from a teaching family. Both my parents, my brother, my aunt and uncle, and one cousin all teach. I know what’s involved. There is no possible way their work outside of school hours makes up for three months’ vacation and all the holidays, half days, conference days, in-service days, and so on and so on. For anyone to suggest otherwise just makes me laugh. Imagine, if you work a normal job, getting summer off. I can’t even wrap my brain around it. I haven’t had a free summer since I was sixteen!

Face it, it’s a racket. If the only way to retain teachers despite the radically reduced working hours—assuming we don’t want school to go year-round, for whatever nostalgic reason—is to pay them as if they were working full time, whatever. Just tell them not to pretend they work as much as everyone else.

[justice14]

I know what you mean. My Father in law and Sister in law are both public employees. I just don’t see how it justifies it. Yeah, it might suck for someone close, but that doesn’t take away that it’s a bad idea. And it’s a bad idea that’s hurting our country.